Ammonia spike in Yamuna hits water supply in Delhi parts

Several areas of Delhi are facing water shortages due to dangerously high levels of ammonia (NH3) in the Yamuna river at the Wazirabad pond, according to an official statement from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).

The statement indicated that ammonia concentrations exceeding 5.0 ppm have reduced water production at the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant by 25-50 per cent. Although ammonia levels had slightly decreased to below 5 ppm over the past 24 hours, the DJB is only able to treat raw water containing ammonia levels up to 0.9-1 ppm.

At higher concentrations, neutralizing ammonia with chlorine gas results in the formation of toxic chloramine compounds. The Wazirabad Barrage in north Delhi is the main holding area, from where raw water from the Yamuna is lifted to the Wazirabad and Chandrawal treatment plants.

As a result of the reduced water production, water supply in many parts of the city will be available at low pressure until the situation improves.

The affected areas include Majnu Ka Tila, ISBT, GPO, NDMC area, ITO, Hans Bhawan, LNJP Hospital, Defence Colony, CGO Complex, Rajghat, WHO, IP Emergency, Ramleela Ground, Delhi Gate, Subhash Park, Gulabi Bagh, Timarpur, SFS Flats, Punjabi Bagh, Azadpur, Shalimar Bagh, Wazirpur, Lawrence Road, Model Town, Jahangirpuri, Moolchand, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Burari, parts of Cantonment areas, and South Delhi.

Local residents have reported significant disruptions to their water supply. Ashok Bhasin, head of the North Delhi Residents Welfare Federation, noted that many neighbourhoods in north Delhi saw reduced water availability during Sunday morning supply hours, and no supply at all during evening hours. “Moreover, with low pressure, many residents complained about contaminated water supply. We have received complaints from Timarpur, Sabzi Mandi, Azad Market, Sadar, and Ghantaghar,” he added.

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Shailja Gupta, a resident of Dakshinpuri, said the area has been facing water disruptions for the past few days. “People are struggling for water. This is the situation in the Capital of India. When will water supply resume?” she questioned. Ramratan Gupta from Madangir expressed frustration with the delayed warning from the DJB, stating that the area had already been experiencing water cuts for the last two days.

The DJB has appealed to residents to use water carefully and assured the availability of water tankers on demand. However, local residents are calling for a permanent solution to the recurring water supply disruptions caused by ammonia spikes in the Yamuna. Ammonia contamination in the river remains an ongoing challenge that frequently affects the city’s water supply.

(With inputs from PTI)